UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report - February 14, 2003
Date of Earliest Event Reported - February 13, 2003

THE MAY DEPARTMENT STORES COMPANY
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware I-79 43-1104396
(State or other (Commission (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.)
incorporation)

611 Olive Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
(314) 342-6300

Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

Exhibit No. Exhibit

99.1 Press Release, dated February 13, 2003

Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On February 13, 2003, the registrant issued a press release
announcing its financial results for the 52-week period ending
February 1, 2003. A copy of the press release is furnished herewith
as Exhibit 99.1.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

THE MAY DEPARTMENT STORES COMPANY

Dated: February 14, 2003 By: /s/ Richard A. Brickson
Richard A. Brickson
Secretary and Senior Counsel

EXHIBIT 99.1

THE MAY DEPARTMENT STORES COMPANY REPORTS
FISCAL 2002 RESULTS; DIVIDEND INCREASED TO $.96

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 13, 2003 - The May Department Stores Company (NYSE:
MAY) today announced earnings per share, net earnings and net sales for fiscal
2002, which ended Feb. 1, 2003.

Diluted earnings per share for 2002, excluding division combination and
early debt redemption costs, were $2.02, compared with $2.22 in fiscal 2001.
Net earnings for 2002, excluding the above expenses, were $624 million,
compared with $706 million a year ago. Net sales for fiscal 2002 were $13.49
billion, a 2.8% decrease,compared with $13.88 billion in fiscal 2001.

"This was a disappointing year for us," said Gene S. Kahn, May's chairman
and chief executive officer, "and we are not satisfied with our sales or
earnings results. It is not the performance we expect of ourselves."

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, diluted earnings per share,excluding
division combination costs, were $1.28, compared with $1.36 last year. Net
earnings, excluding division combination costs, were $391 million,compared with
$431 million last year. Net sales for the quarter were $4.37 billion, compared
with $4.58 billion in the similar period last year.

During the fourth quarter of 2002, the company recorded $6 million or 2 cents
per share as division combination costs for the closure of its Arizona Credit
Center and realignment of its data centers. Including these costs, net
earnings for the fourth quarter of 2002 were $387 million or $1.26 per share,
compared with $431 million or $1.36 per share for the similar period in 2001.

For fiscal 2002, net earnings were $542 million or $1.76 per share, including
division combination costs of $114 million ($76 million after-tax) and early
debt redemption costs of $10 million ($6 million after-tax). Net earnings
for the similar period in 2001 were $703 million or $2.21 per share, including
early debt redemption costs of $5 million ($3 million after-tax).

The company began disclosing net sales rather than net retail sales in January
2003. The difference between net sales and net retail sales is not material.
Also beginning with fiscal 2002, finance charge income is recorded as a re-
duction of selling, general and administrative expenses rather than as a
component of revenue.

May's board of directors approved an increase in the annual dividend rate to
96 cents per share from 95 cents per share, payable March 15, 2003, to
shareowners of record as of March 1, 2003. This is the 28th consecutive year
of dividend increases and represents 92 years of uninterrupted cash dividends.
- more -

"Despite the disappointing 2002 results, we did make significant progress
in implementing key strategies and objectives," said Mr. Kahn. "We remain
steadfast in our belief that our merchandising initiatives, our inventory
management, our steps to control expenses, and our exceptional team of
associates give us a strong foundation for 2003."

Mr. Kahn noted the following achievements in 2002:

Our operating cash flow was $1.5 billion, one of the strongest in the retail
industry. This strength enables us to make purchases and acquisitions, build
new stores, and remodel and expand existing stores. We also reduced long-term
debt by nearly $500 million in 2002.

We opened 11 new department stores in 2002: three Lord & Taylor stores, two
Foley's stores, two Hecht's stores, and one store each for Filene's,
Kaufmann's, Robinsons-May, and The Jones Store. The new stores added 1.7
million square feet of retail space.

We introduced a new store design in three of our 2002 stores - for Filene's in
Leominster, Mass.; Hecht's in Greensboro, N.C.; and Robinsons-May in Irvine,
Calif. The new concept features a contemporary design, flexible merchandise
presentations, an easy-to-shop format, and express checkout. At 140,000 square
feet, we are able to open these new-concept stores in smaller retail
developments including new mixed-use "lifestyle" projects.

We plan to open 11 new department stores in 2003: three Foley's stores, three
Kaufmann's stores, and one store each for Famous-Barr, Filene's, Hecht's,
Lord & Taylor,and Meier & Frank. The new Famous-Barr, Filene's and
Meier & Frank locations - and one of the Kaufmann's locations - will be
"lifestyle" stores.

Several new proprietary brands debuted in our full-line department stores
during 2002. These brands have been well-received by customers, as have the
new proprietary brands introduced at Lord & Taylor last year. Our exclusive
product offering is key to attracting a broader customer base, differentiating
our stores from the competition, and offering our customers newness and fashion
that are priced right with a superior price-to-value relationship.

While many of our initiatives - such as proprietary brands, "lifestyle" stores
and the Bridal Group - support our pursuit of the younger customer, we remain
committed to serving our baby boomer customer.

We made significant progress in narrowing our merchandise assortments to
eliminate duplication, reduce crowding on the selling floor, and help customers
better understand the options available in putting together outfits.

We continued our focus on making the casual, relaxed lifestyle the cornerstone
of our merchandising strategy, while remaining equally committed to a strong
tailored and dress-up assortment. In children's, we implemented our everyday
playwear initiative to offer fun styles combined with great values in the
clothes kids wear each day.

Our Bridal Group continued its strong performance. We opened 30 David's Bridal
stores in 2002 and plan to open 30 stores in 2003. After Hours Formalwear and
Priscilla of Boston, which were acquired a year ago, also offer significant
growth opportunities. Our alliance with The Knot, the largest online wedding
planning resource, began during 2002 and also contributes to the growth of our
Bridal Group, our department stores' bridal registry service, and
our pursuit of the younger customer.
- more -

We took major steps during 2002 to streamline our operations and reduce
costs. In August, we completed the Filene's/Kaufmann's and
Robinsons-May/Meier & Frank division combinations. These combinations will
save approximately $60 million annually. In January 2003, we announced the
closing of our Arizona Credit Center and the realignment of our data centers,
transferring their functions to an existing location in Lorain, Ohio.
# # #

This release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While this release reflects all
available information and management's judgment and estimates of current and
anticipated conditions and circumstances and is prepared with the assistance of
specialists within and outside the company, there are many factors outside of
our control that have an impact on our operations. Such factors include but are
not limited to competitive changes, general and regional economic conditions,
consumer preferences and spending patterns, availability of adequate locations
for building or acquiring new stores, and our ability to hire and retain
qualified associates. Because of these factors, actual performance could differ
materially from that described in forward-looking statements.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOLLOWS

THE MAY DEPARTMENT STORES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

52 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended
Feb. 1, 2003 Feb. 2, 2002 Feb. 1, 2003 Feb. 2, 2002
% to % to % to % to
(millions, except per share) $ Sales $ Sales $ Sales $ Sales

Net sales $13,491 $13,883 $ 4,373 $ 4,576

Cost of sales (A):
Recurring 9,440 70.0% 9,632 69.4% 2,947 67.4% 3,031 66.2%
Nonrecurring - division
combination markdowns 23 0.2 - 0.0 - 0.0 - 0.0
Selling, general, and
administrative expenses 2,772 20.5 2,758 19.9 766 17.5 763 16.7
Division combination costs 91 0.7 - 0.0 6 0.2 - 0.0
Interest expense, net 345 2.5 354 2.5 80 1.8 87 1.9

Earnings before income taxes 820 6.1 1,139 8.2 574 13.1 695 15.2

Provision for income taxes 278 33.9 * 436 38.3 * 187 32.6 * 264 37.9 *

Net earnings $ 542 4.0% $ 703 5.1% $ 387 8.9% $ 431 9.4%

Diluted earnings per share $ 1.76 $ 2.21 $ 1.26 $ 1.36

Excluding division
combination costs:
Net earnings $ 618 4.6% $ 703 5.1% $ 391 9.0% $ 431 9.4%
Diluted earnings per share $ 2.00 $ 2.21 $ 1.28 $ 1.36

Dividends paid
per common share $ .95 $ .94 $ .23-3/4 $ .23-1/2

Diluted average shares
and equivalents 307.9 317.6 306.2 310.9

Depreciation and amortization $ 557 $ 559 ** $ 143 $ 158 **

* Percent represents effective income tax rate.
** Includes $13 million and $42 million of goodwill amortization in the 13
weeks and 52 weeks ended Feb. 2, 2002, respectively.

(A) Merchandise inventories are principally valued on the LIFO (last-in, first-
out) cost basis using the retail method. There was no LIFO provision or
credit recorded in fiscal year 2002 or the fourth quarter of 2002. The
2001 LIFO provision decreased cost of sales by $30 million, or 0.2% of
sales. The 2001 fourth quarter LIFO provision decreased cost of sales by
$50 million, or 1.1% of sales.

Net Sales - Percent Decrease From Prior Year

Net sales include sales from all stores operating during the periods and lease
department income. Store-for-store sales compare sales of stores open during
both years beginning the first day a new store has prior-year sales and exclude
sales of stores closed during both years. The company began disclosing net
sales rather than net retail sales in January 2003. The difference between net
sales and net retail sales is not material. Also beginning with fiscal 2002,
finance charge income is recorded as a reduction of selling, general and
administrative expenses rather than as a component of revenue.

52 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended
Feb. 1, 2003 Feb. 1, 2003
Store-for- Store-for-
Total Store Total Store

(2.8)% (5.3)% (4.4)% (6.0)%

THE MAY DEPARTMENT STORES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

(millions)
Feb. 1, Feb. 2, LIABILITIES AND Feb. 1, Feb. 2,
ASSETS 2003 2002 SHAREOWNERS' EQUITY 2003 2002

Cash and cash equivalents $ 55 $ 52 Notes payable $ 150 $ 78
Accounts receivable, net 1,741 1,938 Current maturities of long-term debt 139 255
Merchandise inventories 2,857 2,875 Accounts payable 1,099 1,023
Other current assets 69 60 Accrued expenses 1,014 900
Total Current Assets 4,722 4,925 Income taxes payable 264 272
Total Current Liabilities 2,666 2,528

Property and equipment, net 5,466 5,264 Long-term debt 4,035 4,403
Goodwill and other intangibles 1,617 1,612 Deferred income taxes 710 696
Other assets 131 119 Other liabilities 377 370
ESOP preference shares 265 286
Unearned compensation (152) (204)

Shareowners' equity 4,035 3,841

Total Liabilities and
Total Assets $11,936 $11,920 Shareowners' Equity $11,936 $11,920

THE MAY DEPARTMENT STORES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(millions) Fiscal Year Ended
2002 2001
Operating activities:
Net earnings $ 542 $ 703
Depreciation and amortization 557 559
Decrease in working capital and other 361 382
Total operating activities 1,460 1,644

Investing activities:
Net additions to property and equipment (790) (756)
Business combinations - (425)
Total investing activities (790) (1,181)

Financing activities:
Net (payments) issuances
of notes payable and long-term debt (362) 150
Net purchases of common stock (14) (420)
Dividend payments (291) (297)
Total financing activities (667) (567)

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 3 (104)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 52 156

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 55 $ 52

THE MAY DEPARTMENT STORES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Cost of Sales For the 52 weeks ended Feb. 1, 2003, recurring cost of sales as a
percent of sales increased 0.6% because of a 0.9% increase in occupancy costs
and a 0.2% increase for the effect of the LIFO (last-in, first-out) cost method,
offset by a 0.6% decrease in the cost of merchandise. The company did not have a
LIFO provision or credit in fiscal 2002, compared with a fiscal 2001 LIFO
credit of $30 million ($.06 per share). In addition, division combination
markdowns of $23 million were incurred in 2002 to conform merchandise
assortments and synchronize pricing and promotional strategies.

For the 13 weeks ended Feb. 1, 2003, recurring cost of sales as a percent of
sales increased 1.2% because of a 0.4% increase in occupancy costs and a 1.1%
increase for the effect of the LIFO cost method, offset by a 0.4% decrease in
the cost of merchandise. A LIFO credit of $50 million ($.11 per share) was
recorded in the fourth quarter of 2001; no LIFO provision or credit was
recorded in the fourth quarter of 2002.

Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (SG&A) SG&A expenses as a percent
of sales increased from 19.9% in 2001 to 20.5% in 2002 because of a 0.5%
increase in payroll and a 0.2% increase in advertising, offset by a 0.2%
decrease from the elimination of goodwill amortization. SG&A expenses as a
percent of sales increased from 16.7% in the fourth quarter of 2001 to 17.5% in
the fourth quarter of 2002 because of a 0.3% increase in payroll, a 0.3%
increase in advertising, and a 0.2% increase in credit expense, offset by a
0.2% decrease from the elimination of goodwill amortization.

Division Combination Costs Nonrecurring charges of $114 million or $.24 per
share were incurred in 2002, of which $23 million is included in cost of sales
for division combination markdowns. Total charges include the
Filene's/Kaufmann's and Robinsons-May/Meier & Frank division combinations,
the announced closure of the Arizona Credit Facility, and the realignment of
the company's data centers. Fourth quarter charges were $6 million or
$.02 per share.

Income Taxes The effective tax rate for 2002 was 33.9%, compared with 38.3%
in 2001. The rate reduction in 2002 is due to the favorable impact of
eliminating goodwill amortization, corporate structure changes, changes in tax
regulations and a one-time benefit of 3.0% recorded in the fourth quarter for
the recent resolution of various matters.

Interest Expense For the 52 weeks ended Feb. 1, 2003, the interest expense
decrease of $9 million was due to lower borrowing and reduced interest rates on
short-term debt, offset by an increase in early debt redemption costs of $5
million in 2002.

Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements In the first quarter of 2002, the
company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which eliminates goodwill amortization.
In fiscal year 2001, $42 million of goodwill amortization was included in SG&A
expenses, which decreased net earnings by $37 million. In the fourth quarter
of 2001, $13 million of goodwill amortization was included in SG&A expenses,
which decreased net earnings by $12 million.

In 2002, the company adopted SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4,
44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections. The
impact of adopting this statement was the reclassification of the 2001
extraordinary loss of $3 million (net of $2 million in taxes) to interest
expense and income taxes, and the classification of the $10 million
loss on early debt redemption as interest expense in the current year.

In 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) reached a consensus on Issue
No. 02-16, Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Cash
Consideration Received from a Vendor. EITF Issue No. 02-16 provides guidance
on how cash consideration received by a customer or reseller should be
classified in the customer's statement of earnings. The company does not expect
EITF Issue No. 02-16 to impact its consolidated financial position or operating
results.

Reclassifications Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform
with the current-year presentation.

THE MAY DEPARTMENT STORES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(millions, except per share) 2002* 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997

Net sales $13,491 $13,883 $14,210 $13,562 $12,792 $12,071
Operating earnings $ 1,279 $ 1,493 $ 1,747 $ 1,810 $ 1,673 $ 1,578
Memo: LIFO credit included
in operating earnings - (30) (29) (30) (28) (5)
Percent of sales 9.5% 10.8% 12.3% 13.3% 13.1% 13.1%
Memo: LIFO credit 0.0 (0.2) (0.2) (0.2) (0.2) (0.0)
Interest expense, net (345) (354) (345) (287) (278) (304)
Earnings before income taxes 934 1,139 1,402 1,523 1,395 1,274
Provision for income taxes (316) (436) (544) (596) (546) (499)
Net earnings $ 618 $ 703 $ 858 $ 927 $ 849 $ 775
Diluted earnings per share $ 2.00 $ 2.21 $ 2.62 $ 2.60 $ 2.30 $ 2.06
Net earnings as a percent of sales 4.6% 5.1% 6.0% 6.8% 6.6% 6.5%
Return on beginning net assets 12.9% 15.5% 19.5% 20.7% 19.8% 18.5%
Return on shareowners'
beginning equity 16.1% 18.2% 21.0% 24.1% 22.2% 21.1%
Dividends paid per common share $ .95 $ .94 $ .93 $ .89 $ .85 $ .80
Annual dividend rate per common
share effective March 15, 2003 $ .96

All years are 52-week fiscal years except 2000, which included 53 weeks.

*Amounts are before division combination costs of $114 million ($76 million
after-tax) or $.24 per share.